International Women’s Day (IWD) has been celebrated for over a hundred years, commemorating the social, cultural and political achievements of women around the world. IWD is a day of celebration, but also of collective action to continue working towards gender equality. Shelter NSW deeply cares about gender equality. And we believe action starts with our own sector. 

The Australasian Housing Institute (ahi) held an event on Thursday 6 March around the theme of ‘Accelerating Action’, calling for increased momentum to address systemic barriers and biases women face in the professional world. It was also an opportunity to celebrate 25 years of ahi support for social and affordable housing and to look forward; on how our sector can accelerate delivery of high quality, well located and managed social and affordable housing.

(From left to right: Dr. Rebecca Deans, School of Women’s & Children’s Health, UNSW, Yvonne Weldon AM Deputy Chairperson at the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council, and Jennifer Westacott AO, Chancellor at Western Sydney University)

Shelter NSW proudly sponsored the event, which included a panel discussion moderated by Karen Walsh, National Shelter CEO, with Wendy McCarthy AO, author and social activist, Jennifer Westacott AO, Chancellor at Western Sydney University, Dr. Rebecca Deans, School of Women’s & Children’s Health, UNSW and Yvonne Weldon AM, Deputy Chairperson at the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council.

Karen Walsh, National Shelter CEO, at the IWD event, with ahi members working in the housing and homelessness sectors. 

Shelter NSW also supported the Planning Institute of Australia NSW – Women in Planning Network – IWD event. The day included presentation of the Dr Helen Proudfoot Women in Planning Award, which recognises the outstanding contribution to planning practice and policy from one leading woman every year. In 2025, the award was presented to Esra Calim for her contribution to participation of women in the built environment industry, including work on how to make public spaces safer for women and gender inclusive design.

Sue Weatherley, President, PIA NSW Branch, with Stacey Miers, Principal Project Officer, Shelter NSW.